Day 2 (12 July 2016)

Day 2 here in Beijing started with a rush to get ready, we were still so tired after our journey yesterday. Soon after breakfast we headed out to find our local shop so we could get some water (Mrs Hudson) and some sweet treats (the rest of us). We then met up with the other schools visiting Beijing and off we went on our first official visit. 

When arriving in  Tiananmen Square we were all flabbergasted by the overcrowded streets and shops. Slowly and carefully, making sure we all stuck together every step of the way, we headed towards the centre. We took lots of photos here which we will add when we get back but unfortunately we couldn't unroll our '#UCANvisitChina banner' as we were warned that it could be taken as making a political statement which was a big no no. We were amazed by how many Chinese tourists wanted to take our photo and Alex B was even asked to have his photo taken with a local primary school class (we all found this very amusing as they all looked so tiny next to Alex). After a short but lively visit we walked towards the 'Forbidden City'. When arriving here we were presented with the most amazing buildings and facts (it took 1 million people 50 years to built it, it covers 72 hectares and was built solely for the emperor and his family). It was here that Alex DLB began a game of 'Where's Kevin?' as we lost sight of our friendly tour guide a couple of times in the crowds (even though he was carrying a long pole with a green teddy hanging from it). This meant that for the rest of the day all we would hear is someone shout "where's Kevin" and the rest of us would rush to find him so we could win a point. Alex is keeping score, Alex DLB 2, Alex B 2, Rosie 5, Jack 5, Danni 1 and Roxana 2 (we are still thinking of the prize for the overall winner). 
Kevin told us all about the emperor and his life as we walked through the Forbidden City. The emperor had 74 wives and 3000 beautiful women who lived in Forbidden City which is why Kevin said he died so young. He also told us about how the emperor would choose his next heir, from all his children (over 100). He would write it on two pieces of paper and keep one in his pocket and the other in the meeting hall. After he died they would collect the paper and if they both matched that would be the new emperor. We also think the emperor was a little paranoid as he built this huge palace and grounds but there are no trees in (so no one could hide behind them and kill him) and he had the floor made with seven layers of bricks (some lying one way and some another) so no one could dig under and assassinate this way. 

After Forbidden City we travelled to a local restaurant for lunch, all excited but a little nervous for trying more authentic Chinese dishes. These were all scrummy and different to our Chinese food at home. There were no skewered insects or any other strange foods that we were a little afraid of. Mrs Hudson says we all have to try something really unusual before we go home. We also all used chopsticks and we're determined to be professional chopstick eaters before we return to the UK (rice is still very tricky!). 

After lunch we headed to the Temple of Heaven as our plans were altered due to weather conditions (little rainy today especially this morning - still very warm and humid). The Temple of Heaven was glorious and huge (nearly 300 hectares - here the emperor allowed trees to be planted as he only visited 3x a year). This is also where lots of retired Chinese people come and play games like cards, chess and checkers and we walked past lots of groups of people playing games together. Kevin also told us that in the mornings lots of parents with unmarried children get together and share information about their job, salary etc to match them up with each other. We took lots of photos of the bright tiles and authentic patterns on all the walls and roofs - we are sure this will put a big smile on Mrs Davis face. 
Whilst walking around the Temple of Heaven we found a little shop selling drinks and ice cream. Alex DLB discovered her favourite ice cream (ube) which brought forth lots of squeals and smiles which was a lovely finish to our first day of travelling. 

We then returned to the coach, tired but very happy. Back at the hotel we enjoyed another Chinese/ western dinner with many upbeat faces excited for the next day of travel and game of 'where's Kevin?'.

Dannielle Jones